If it were any other ruler, things might be easier to handle, but the one on the throne in the Ming Dynasty was sometimes even more domineering than the Hongwu Emperor. Especially towards some neighboring countries, the Hongwu Emperor often showed some leniency and preferential treatment, but Ying Shi was completely different.
Regarding the Zhongshan Kingdom's breach of etiquette, some believe it might be due to Emperor Yingshi's concern for rules and regulations. However, others think it was also Emperor Yingshi's deliberate attempt to uphold the dignity of the Crown Prince.
After all, this was a rare opportunity for the Crown Prince to voice his opinion in court. Even if the methods used were somewhat hasty and radical, they were not entirely without reason. Therefore, Emperor Ying Shi could not find too many problems with what he did.
At most, it was just a little harsh on the vassal states, but that's really not a big deal.
The matter seemed to have passed, but some people felt that Emperor Ying Shi's actions could be seen as making an example of someone, a way of preparing for the future.
The crown princes of the two vassal states, Dongri and Fuyue, are still in Yingtian Prefecture. These are two vassal states established overseas by the Ming Dynasty's imperial family. The Ming Dynasty has only recently conferred titles and recognition upon them, which naturally means that it does not want these two vassal states to have any ulterior motives from the beginning.
Emperor Ying Shi is now demanding that King Wu Ning of Zhongshan come to court to apologize. Perhaps this is just a show for the crown princes of the two vassal states, Dong Ri and Fu Yue, to teach them a lesson about right and wrong and the consequences.
Even if they become crown princes, they are still subjects of the Ming Dynasty. Don't think that just because the emperor is far away, or that you can do whatever you want just because you're separated by the sea; the Ming Dynasty is not so easily fooled!
This matter seems to be settled, and it's unlikely that anyone else can change Emperor Ying Shi's mind. In fact, there's no need for anyone to say anything for Wu Ning's sake.
Ultimately, Wu Ning was at fault first, and the Ming Dynasty did not reprimand him without reason. The next step is to see what Wu Ning will choose.
If he chooses to go to court to plead guilty, the Ming Dynasty will probably just give him a stern reprimand and then still confer titles upon him. Basically, there won't be any other actions, and this matter will just pass by if nothing unexpected happens.
However, if Wu Ning chooses to resist stubbornly and remain obstinate, the Ming Dynasty might have to resort to military force. Even though the Ming Dynasty is currently making significant moves in Goryeo, the Ryukyu Kingdom is terribly weak, not only in the face of the Ming Dynasty, but also in the face of Goryeo and Japan.
Moreover, Ryukyu is currently in a state of 'three kingdoms'. Since the Ming Dynasty was able to resolve the previous conflicts between the three kingdoms, it can now fully support the other two kingdoms to attack Zhongshan Kingdom.
As for the possibility that Wu Ning would not take the Ming Dynasty's warnings seriously, and that the Ming Dynasty would be unable to punish him in the end, that is not impossible.
However, many people are well aware that such a probability is practically nonexistent. Since Emperor Ying Shi chose to issue a reprimand, they should be prepared for Wu Ning not to plead guilty. The Ming Dynasty will not allow itself to be in a difficult position; if anything happens again, it will be dealt with swiftly and decisively.
This is not just for the other two kingdoms of Ryukyu to see, nor is it a warning to Dongri and Fuyue. It is a 'role model' that some vassal states around the Ming Dynasty need to see. Although it is only a negative example, it still has extremely strong educational significance.
This matter now seems to follow a set pattern: the crown prince proposes it, the emperor makes the decision, and there are basically no other variables.
What everyone needs to do now is to cooperate with the emperor's decisions and do what he has instructed. Or, to start preparing in advance, no matter what choice Wu Ning makes, the Ming Dynasty needs to have a strategy and preparation in place to deal with it.
This can be considered as completing an important task, but at this time, many people have mixed feelings.
During the reign of Emperor Hongwu, the Crown Prince or his son, Zhu Yuanzhang, often made suggestions that were not widely accepted by the civil and military officials. However, Emperor Hongwu mostly chose to adopt the suggestions of the Crown Prince or his grandson.
Now, after going around in circles, the young crown prince of the Ming Dynasty still seems to have such power and treatment. This little boy, who is not even ten years old, still holds the power to make decisions on major national affairs.
The nobles of the Xu faction were even more excited. Although they all knew that the current emperor was favored by the retired emperor and that the current crown prince's position was secure, they were still thrilled to have witnessed the crown prince's power firsthand.
To put it more realistically, they naturally thought about giving their descendants more opportunities to achieve great things and enjoy wealth and honor, just like many noble families of the Chang lineage today.
The morning court session clearly needed to continue, and in the eyes of many, the matter of Ryukyu was a minor issue. Many civil and military officials didn't even know where Ryukyu was located; this small country wasn't like Goryeo or Annam, too small to warrant much attention from the Ming Dynasty.
The next thing to do is naturally to deal with border military reports or the military issues of the Ming Dynasty. These are priorities over general political affairs and are important matters that must be taken seriously.
If Xu Huizu were in court, he would have been in charge of these matters. However, since Xu Huizu was not in court, many people's attention was focused on Chang Mao, who had a thick beard and a burly build.
At this moment, Chang Mao seemed to be resting with his eyes closed, as if he had nothing to say and there was no military situation that required his attention.
However, everyone felt this was quite normal. Chang Mao had this attitude when Xu Huizu was in Yingtian Prefecture. He maintained the same attitude even when Xu Huizu was away; he rarely spoke up. And even when he did, it was almost always to flatter the emperor.
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